Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has accepted the resignation of Secretary for Security Regina Ip.

Mrs Ip tendered her resignation on June 25, citing personal reasons. She will leave her post with effect from July 25.

Mr Tung said today that he tried to persuade her to stay, and suggested she consider taking long leave to get some rest and sort out her personal matters before making up her mind. However, he said her decision could not be changed.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to respect her wish and accept her resignation. I have recommended to the Central People's Government the removal of Mrs Ip from the post of Secretary for Security, in accordance with Article 48(5) of the Basic Law."

Praising Mrs Ip's performance during her service, Mr Tung said she has exceptional abilities and great wisdom. She has resolved many thorny issues, and has earned the esteem of colleagues in the service.

Appreciating her immense abilities and enthusiasm in serving Hong Kong, Mr Tung said she will be missed by her colleagues and himself. He wishes her great success and happiness in the years to come.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said he respected Mrs Ip's decision, and hailed her devotion, hard work, leadership skills and ability to take on a challenge.

Mrs Ip thanked Mr Tung and her civil service colleagues for their support during her five-year tenure as secretary.

She said she deeply regrets the legislative work to implement Basic Law Article 23 has not been completed as scheduled.

"As a Chinese national and the Secretary for Security, I sincerely believe I have a responsibility to actively promote this highly important legislative task. I feel deeply honoured that I have had an opportunity to take part in this historic legislative work during my tenure," Mrs Ip said.

"In formulating the proposals, we have tried our best to strike a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms." 

With the various amendments proposed by the Government, Mrs Ip firmly believes the bill will achieve this goal.

She said efforts made in the past 10 months will lay a good foundation for the eventual passage of the bill and she is confident that her successor will be able to accomplish the task in good time.